It’s Labor Day Weekend, and in case you haven’t already booked a getaway or barbeque bash, we’ve compiled a list of awesome local alternatives to keep you in the holiday spirit all from now through Monday.
Hooley On the Hudson, Kingston
Whether you’re a proud Irishman belter, or your only Celtic connection is love for a golden glass of Guinness, this annual fest will get you step dancing in no time. Join in on Sunday’s unofficial halfway to St. Patrick’s Day party in Kingston for a full day of live performances (including the above-pictured rabble-rousers Mickey Rickshaw), crafts, storytelling, and plenty of food, pipes, and drums.
The New York Air Show, Newburgh
Oh, how the weekend just flies by, especially if you’re attending the New York Air Show this Saturday and Sunday at Stewart International Airport. Meet some of the nation’s top military and civilian air performers and professionals, with thrilling shows from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the West Point Parachute Team. Displays, exhibits, and flight simulators will span 50 acres along airport grounds. There’s even a kids zone for pint-size pilots.
Windows on Main Street, Beacon
Entering its 12th year, this summer-long project features site-specific installations, curated by local artists to expand social understanding of the correlation between art and economic improvement. The mile-long open air gallery showcases dozens of photographs, multimedia exhibits, paintings, drawings, and textiles in the windows of Main Street storefronts, specifically selected by the artist. Walk, ogle, and observe until September 10.
Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair, New Paltz
The twice-yearly show is back all weekend long to conclude its 35th year with valley flair. The event not only brings together more than 200 artists and crafts people from across America, but also features one of the nation’s largest varieties of furniture and architectural demonstrations, including Windsor-style chair construction, rug-weaving techniques, jewelry-box carvings, and even doll making. Purchase hand-crafted pieces from local vendors, and marvel at performances from musicians, poets, and actors. There will even be a special alpaca appearance, so don’t let anyone pull the wool over your eyes about the Fair’s awesomeness.
Festival of Books, Spencertown
Get literary this Labor Day Weekend at Spencertown Academy Arts Center’s giant annual book sale. You’ll find more than 10,000 gently used books, donated by fellow readers from across the region. Browse among specialty items, limited editions, out-of-print copies, and some new selections contributed by large-scale publishers. There’ll be an expansive collection of CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records, too. Books start at $4 on Friday, and decrease to just $1 by Monday. Be there during the sale’s last hour (1-2 pm on Monday) to leave with a bag full of spined finds for just $6.
